A Journey of a Thousand Miles

The proverb “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” is attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu.

For me, my first step is often the most challenging.  I have consistently written my blog every week for more than seven years.  I never lack for ideas.  Most weeks I have two or three new ideas that I either immediately write down or promptly forget.  It seems that the better the idea, the more quickly I forget it, sometimes just as I begin to write it down.  That’s why I always carry a pen and paper, or an iPhone, and why I have accumulated a long list of ideas.

Once I sit down and write the title and first sentence of my blog, the ideas seem to flow.  But sitting down in the first place?  Ay, there’s the rub.

With so many paths available in life, you never know where your first step might take you. In terms of a career the first step is often preliminary to the discovery of one’s journey.  One of my young grandsons is fascinated by anything to do with building and city design.  He often discusses this subject with his maternal grandfather, who is a retired architect.  Will my grandson turn out to be an architect?  Perhaps. Encouraging his interest could be the first step in what might become his chosen career path, and without that first step he might never discover and develop his passion.

My son Craig, is a professor.  When Craig was a college undergraduate I asked him the typical parent question, “What did you learn this semester?”  He immediately began to rattle off a number of psychology studies, in detail, including the name of each author.  I was dumbfounded.  When I was a college student I generally remembered the basic ideas from a course, but never many details.  That’s one reason I’m not a professor. I was never willing to take even the first studious step.

Other areas of our lives also begin with an essential first step. A friendship begins with saying hello. A marriage begins with a proposal. “Will you marry me?” is a first step to what will hopefully will become a lifelong journey.

Two of my grandchildren, now in their twenties, have recently released original songs they have written and recorded.  Will one or both of them become the next Beyoncé or Frank Sinatra?  Time will tell.  I’ve never had a desire to write or record a song, so that’s a first step I’m not likely to ever take. I’ve published five books, however, and each one began with my writing down a single word.

I’m sure I will take a number of steps today.  I wonder which, if any, will be the beginning of a longer journey.

How about you?

Alan